Beautiful sunny California was a bit too much of a good thing this past week. Temperatures soared into the triple digits, which was much more like the middle of summer than early spring. But that didn’t slow down Disneyland’s currently feverish pace to return the parks to something a little bit more like what you remembered way back in 2019. I’ll take you on a tour of the parks, show you what’s new, the status of multiple projects, and we’ll look at what’s on the way and what’s still sadly missing… Oh, and we’ll talk about Bruno…  

We’re Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Some folks think we don’t have real weather in Southern Californian, that it’s always nice… well… We had 100+ degree heat on Thursday and Friday last week (IN APRIL!!!). Those just happened to be the two days I had available to shoot this update. Let’s just say that I spent more time seeking refuge from the elements than actually taking photos. But it was a great opportunity to see what happens to the parks on extremely hot days. 

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Low crowd levels (even during spring break) are the advantage to hot days

Just like rain washes crowds out of the park, the heat melts crowds as well as the day goes on. Many may think they are prepared for the elements, but after several hours waiting in the sun, tempers flair, kids melt down, and even the best laid plans fly out the window. As I was arriving at 2pm on Thursday, there were more people leaving the park than entering. 

Let’s start by looking at the mid-day waits on Friday (which should have been a busy spring break day): 

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Park operations are only moderately impacted by heat. The Monorail closes early when it’s too hot. The cabins have blowers but no air conditioning, so you would not want to be stuck on the beam in 100º temperatures. And the Monorail breaks down enough that it’s safer for the park to just close the attraction when temperatures soar. On Friday, the Monorail operated for a few hours in the morning, but was closed by 11am.  

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Attractions where cast members work out in the sun offer extra water breaks and opportunities to rotate positions more frequently.  

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Characters work shorter sets and take longer breaks in the heat. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

But the park doesn’t do anything special for guests. We think Disney should sell water bottles at half price on days like these. They’d still make a killing on the markup – Disney charges around $4 per bottle (but you could buy 24 bottles for around that price at your local Target or Walmart). The longer guests stay in the parks, the more money Disney makes, they really should be doing more for guest comfort and safety on hot days so more guests stick around.

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
Less than a 30 minute wait for Millennium Falcon mid-day. This air conditioned queue is actually a pretty good idea for a day like this.
, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
Few guests roaming around in the vast unshaded areas of Galaxy’s Edge
, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
Even the milk stand had no guests waiting for a cool drink

Worse, many of the big shaded or air conditioned attractions are currently closed. Indoor attractions such as Star Wars Launch Bay, the Tomorrowland 3D Theater, The Hyperion Theater, and shaded spots like the Fantasyland Theater are all closed.  The best bet for guests looking for shade was to go shopping or just leave the park altogether. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
The Kugel Ball fountain in Tomorrowland has been dry for a while now
, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
The Haunted Mansion was practically a walk-on for parts of the day

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You might be tempted to hop in line for a water ride like Splash Mountain or Grizzly River Run… but that just ensures an extra long wait and a whole lot of suffering in the heat (especially if you don’t have Lightning Lane).  

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, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Disneyland is a magical place… most of the time… but it just doesn’t offer a lot of respite from high heat. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
Even this duck was seeking shade under the castle bridge

Let’s Talk About Bruno

Encanto has become a huge hit for Disney, and they’ve wasted no time getting the property into the parks. Mirabel has been meeting with guests in Zocalo Park in Frontierland (in front of Big Thunder) during the day. She’ll also be featured on a new float designed for the grand finale of the Main Street Electrical Parade when it officially returns on the 22nd of this month… 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

AND… starting tonight, a special Encanto projection show will be presented throughout the evening hours on the facade of “it’s a small world.”  

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
For a limited time beginning April 11, 2022, the facade of it’s a small world will display a special projection show several times per night

We think it’s great that Disneyland has acted so quickly to get popular characters into the parks… Bob Chapek and Lin Manuel Miranda have already discussed a potential attraction in the Disney Parks (according to an interview in The Wrap). So, we can’t help but wonder where and when an Encanto attraction will show up at Disneyland. One obvious possibility is a quick overlay of the Tarzan Treehouse in Adventureland. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

In the movie, young Antonio is gifted a treehouse for his room in the Madrigal house. It sure would be an easy fit. Disney has even produced an Encanto Treehouse play toy which shows the similarity to how Tarzan’s Treehouse is currently used at Disneyland.  

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

So, if Disney isn’t planning an Encanto overlay to the Treehouse, perhaps they should be… And it’s at least possible that’s what the LOOOONG delayed refurbishment of the treehouse is really about. The attraction closed suddenly last September and has lingered behind construction scrims ever since. The attraction has now been closed for 8 months. They could have easily replaced every leaf and all the stairs if this was just a simple refurbishment. 

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Coming Soon to a Galaxy Near You…

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else There’s a lot happening this month. Starting April 29th, Space Mountain will return the popular Hyperspace Mountain overlay just in time for Star Wars Day (May the 4th). The Star Wars themed overlay will be for a “limited time,” but we still don’t know how long that is.

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

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, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

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Entertainment Updates

After months of little entertainment, big things start returning this month. Everything from traditional character meet and greets to beloved parades and nighttime entertainment are just days away.  

The obvious thing that we’ve spoken a lot about here is the return of 3 big shows on April 22nd. The Main Street Electrical Parade, Disneyland Forever Fireworks, and World of Color all return that day (Fantasmic will return a month later).  

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

 

This should be a busy two weeks of announcements from Disney as they inform guests about upcoming dining packages for the shows, special seating opportunities, possible lightning lane usage, etc. 

One thing we’ve already heard about is Main Street Electrical Parade dining packages and special merchandise.

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
Cute Main Street Electrical Parade Wishables!

And not to be left out, Plaza Inn gets into the act…

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

The restaurant will offer a special lunch package (entree, beverage & dessert with included viewing for the Electrical Parade). Guests will be given a ticket for a special viewing location, but we don’t yet know where that viewing section will be. The Plaza Inn Electrical Parade meal includes fried chicken, Mac and cheese, corn bread (in a Mickey shape) and a berry cheesecake.  Reservations for the dining package are expected to open on April 14th.  

We expect World of Color and Fantasmic dining/dessert packages to be announced soon.  

Traditional Character Meet & Greets Return April 18! This is a big deal for some guests who have missed character hugs and autographs. Of course that also means a return to regular lines for many characters… and even the possibility of Lightning Lane for some characters as they’ve just done at Walt Disney World.   

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BREAKING! Character Meet and Greets Return to Disney Parks!

We expect Storytelling at the Royal Theatre to resume soon as well. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

When shows are offered, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones narrate scenes and songs from Beauty and the Beast and Tangled. For now, Disney princesses have been using the theater for distanced meet and greets, but we hope they’ll be moving back into Fairytale Hall on April 18th, which will allow work for Storytelling to resume in the theatre not too long thereafter. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Also returning soon, but no official date yet, is The Tale of the Lion King show in the Fantasyland Theater (Mickey and the Magical Map has been canceled and the smaller Lion King show will be moved and reworked from it’s previous run on Paradise Bay at DCA to the Fantasyland Theater)

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else , Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

And as exciting as all of that sounds… there’s still a LOT of entertainment missing at the Disneyland Resort. While they’ve found an economical way to fill the Fantasyland Theater stage, Disney California Adventure’s big Hyperion Theater remains empty. Lines in that park continue to suffer from the dual problems of lack of attractions and Lightning Lane.

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
The Jammin’ Chefs don’t play on the Hyperion stage, but rather out in the street in front of the theater. Sadly, VERY POOR planning for table space inside of Avengers Campus has led to the Hyperion patio being used as PYM Test Kitchen overflow seating. A resumption of shows here would also mean needing to build more seating closer to the restaurant (which should ABSOLUTELY happen and we are shocked hasn’t been addressed already).

Another thing that could help would be the return of the Paint the Night parade. Unfortunately, festival booths along the performance corridor in DCA make it hard to run a major parade, so let’s cross our fingers for a Summer run.

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Of course, there’s another parade which Disney spent a lot of money on which sits in storage after running for just a couple of weeks…. Magic Happens! Disneyland could use a daytime parade, but we wouldn’t complain if DCA wants to borrow it.  

Disneyland Parade Mickey on a Sorcerer Hat float with colorful dancers in front
Thanks to Andrew Kim from our MiceChat Facebook Group
, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
Thanks to HappiestPlacePhotography from our MiceChat Facebook Group

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Add to all this a lack of musical acts in Tomorrowland, the sorely missed Red Car Trolley Newsboys Show in DCA, and a variety of musical groups and performers in both parks. We are getting closer to normal, but there’s still much still missing considering the record prices Disney currently charges.  

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Construction Updates

Yes, there’s more… 

    • Fantasmic!  On Thursday we could see workers in the fountain pits of Fantasmic on the Rivers of America. They have been removing the equipment from each pit and reinstalling (either new or refurbished equipment), Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else , Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
      • New Orleans Square – LOTS of work is going on to get ready for the big return of Fantasmic far beyond the river itself. Due to overflowing Pirates and Mansion lines in New Orleans Square, Disney has taken the drastic step of lowering the elevated Fantasmic viewing areas back down to the ground.

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

It looks like a mess of walls right now, but not for too much longer. They are about 3 or 4 weeks away from wrapping this project up. A very rapid pace for Disneyland. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Of course, Pirates of the Caribbean is closed through all of this… otherwise the confluence of long lines, stroller parking, and guests trying to navigate construction walls would just be too much.  

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

If you have a Cafe Orleans reservation, be aware that this is your view. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

In the section below, you can get a good idea how the project is being handled. The trees remain in new smaller gardens which are still raised above ground. But the area around those trees and gardens has been lowered. So far, it looks like almost all of the trees have been saved (though the two diseased trees were removed from the Pirates of the Caribbean garden).  

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

    • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – It was too hot for the Monorail to run, so I couldn’t get construction shots for you. But this is another refurbishment project stuck in never-ending mode (though no worries about this one being rethemed to Encanto… Luca perhaps (we kid).  
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    • DCA Hollywood Land construction – Another big project, but when the walls come down it’s not really going to look different to you. This is just sidewalk repair. 
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    • But the curb project on Buena Vista Street by the abandoned Red Car Trolley stop has wrapped up. On Thursday there were construction walls and by Friday they were gone.
      , Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
      Thursday
      , Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
      Friday

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      Newly lowered curb

    • World of Color Lagoon – Most of the maintenance for the return of World of Color has long been complete. The big holdup has been the new projection towers at the back of the lagoon. But they too seem to be mostly complete. The large network of work platforms is being disassembled. 
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    • Secret DCA Gate Construction – As we’ve been reporting, a project to create a new public back entry into Disney California Adventure continues. This week the project made its way all the way to the park itself. The pathway starts at the driveway of the Grand Californian Hotel and wraps between the hotel and Goofy’s Sky School to a little spot between Corn Dog Castle and Seaside Souvenirs. 

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    The pathway entry will be approximately where that green construction gate is (just off Disneyland Drive where you turn into the Grand Californian Hotel)

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    And the park side of the pathway will enter where you see that beige wall between the corn dogs and souvenirs. 
    • Downtown Disney – 
      The old AMC building has been reduced to a few piles of rubble behind the colorful construction wall. The artistic theme on the construction walls changes often. They are currently shifting into Earth Month mode. We’ll get more for you from the Monorail soon. , Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Disneyland Resort Refurbishments

That was a big update with lots of info. Here are all of the refurbishments for you in one place. 

Currently Under Refurbishment:

  • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: (July 12th, 2021-TBA)
  • Tarzan’s Treehouse: (September 1st, 2021-TBA)
  • Mickey’s Toontown (March 9th, 2022-2023)
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: (March 14th-Summer 2022)
  • Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters: (April 11th-14th)
  • Silly Symphony Swings: And one unofficial mystery. Silly Symphony Swings (not on the official list) it’s listed as open with hours in the Disneyland app, but hasn’t actually been open for at least a couple of weeks. Hmmm. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Upcoming Refurbishments:

  • Blue Bayou Restaurant: (April 21st-TBA)
  • Space Mountain: (April 28th) – Closed for just one day to switch over to Hyperspace Mountain
  • Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree: (May 9th-12th)
  • Golden Zepher: (May 9th-19th)
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic: (May 16th-TBD)

DCA Live Video

This was one heck of a week. With it being 100º+ on the days that I visited the parks, it’s a wonder that I stayed there long enough to get photos for today’s Update at all. And on top of it, I took a full tour of DCA (and a ride on Grizzly River Rapids to cool down!) with a particular focus on recent happenings around the resort. Press play on the video below to join me for a tour through Disney California Adventure and a plunge into the river:

This & That 

And now that we’ve covered the main items, we’re moving onto some of the other stories from around the Disneyland Resort for the week.

Mickey Floral Restored

We mentioned last week that Disneyland’s entry Mickey floral has been reverted from its temporary Minnie portrait. Although the Minnie portrait was really just the standard Mickey with an inserted bow, the area of the bow is still growing in on Mickey’s ears. So for now, our pal looks like he’s missing a good chunk of his ears. Would you like to see this floral portrait get changed up more regularly or are you happy with seeing Mickey when you enter Disneyland?

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Mickey Balloons Returning

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

If you’ve visited Disneyland these last few weeks, you may have noticed that the bunches of balloons sold around the resort seem to be lacking a certain distinctive shape. The Mickey-shaped balloons are having a supply chain issue, but they are expected back by Memorial Day!

Earth Day Garbage Art at DCA

I know that sounds harsh, but that’s what it is! Over at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at DCA, there is a small art collection made of found materials that celebrates Earth day (April 22). Each of the artistic works were made by Disneyland Resort Cast Members, and every year, the sculptures are always thinking outside the box. Here’s a look at this year’s assortment of Earth Day artwork:

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Avengers Campus Lights Out

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

I’ve noticed this a few times lately, but I finally got some shots that show it. More and more of the blue lights embedded in the pavement around Avengers HQ are burned out. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
long stretches of burned out lights

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Moon Knight and Mr. Knight 

Last week brought the arrival of Marvel’s Moon Knight to Avengers Campus. This week brings his alter ego, Mr. Knight as well. They both appear beginning at dusk. Moon Knight atop Avengers HQ (he doesn’t do much), and Mr. Knight at the entry of the land near the Spider-Man meet and greet. 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else , Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

If you’d like to know more about Moon Knight, we have a review of the new Disney+ show:

The Mystery of Marvel Studios “Moon Knight”

More Smiles to Go Around

Starting this Tuesday, you’ll likely be seeing more Cast Member smiles since the face covering guidelines are being relaxed for CMs. Here’s the full info: 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Let’s Hear From You

Have you visited Disneyland on a super hot day? Does the park offer enough shade and air conditioned spaces? Where would you like to see Encanto take over? With all the entertainment returning over the next two months, what’s still missing that’s important to you? 

I’ll leave you with a few bonus images.  I’ll be back again before you know it…

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
Delicious churro cupcake (Candy Palace on Main Street)

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, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else
Lamplight Lounge upstairs seating is STILL closed due to a lack of staff

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, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

Stay weird everyone! 

, Disneyland Update – Let’s Talk About Bruno… And Everything Else

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Dusty Sage
Dusty Sage
https://www.micechat.com
Dusty is the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com. When he's not visiting theme parks and writing, editing or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide, Dusty is involved in multiple Disney related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney's historic 1930's estate in Hollywood. If you've got news or photos to share with the MiceChat community, or would like to book Dusty for an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]
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